Trump Threatens to Invoke Insurrection Act Amid Protests in Minnesota
WASHINGTON – Following protests adn arrests in Minnesota related to immigration enforcement, former President Donald Trump stated he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act if state officials do not address what he termed “professional agitators and insurrectionists.” The statement, made on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, came after increased tensions surrounding a recent immigration-related arrest in the state.
The protests stem from an incident on May 17, 2024, where a man, later identified as Wilder Lemus Alvarado, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis. https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-man-detained-by-ice-sparks-protests-calls-for-sanctuary-city-status/600764941/ Demonstrations erupted in response, with some escalating into confrontations with law enforcement.
Trump’s post on Truth social accused “radical left” groups of instigating violence and called for a forceful response. He claimed Minnesota officials were failing to maintain order.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison responded swiftly, stating he would sue if President Trump were to attempt to deploy federal forces under the Insurrection Act. “https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-news/minnesota-ag-says-will-sue-if-trump-invokes-insurrection-act-2024-05-18/” Ellison asserted that such an action would be an overreach of federal power and a violation of states’ rights.
The Insurrection Act allows the president to deploy the military within the United States in certain limited circumstances, such as to suppress insurrection or enforce federal law.It’s use is highly controversial, and legal scholars are divided on its scope and constitutionality. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/insurrection-act
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing protests and heightened political rhetoric.
Associated Press reporters Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Ed white and Corey Williams in Detroit; Graham lee Brewer in oklahoma City; Jesse Bedayn in Denver; Audrey mcavoy in Honolulu; Hallie golden in Seattle; and Ben Finley in Washington contributed to this report.